WARNING: This article includes spoilers from Thunderbolts*.TheThunderbolts*post-credits scene may not be what it appears, as Kevin Feige opens up about the game-changingMarvel Cinematic Universemovie tag. WhiletheThunderbolts*movie endingestablished the characters as the New Avengers in the MCU, the Phase 5 movie also came with a pretty huge post-credits scene that has sparked a lot of theories for Phase 6. However, while many are speculating that theThunderbolts*post-credits scene may be setting up the next installment for the MCU, it may not be that simple.
In the latestEmpire Magazine, Feige spoke about theThunderbolts*post-credits scene, which sees the New Avengers witnessing a ship with the Fantastic Four logo entering Earth’s atmosphere. While confirming it is definitely a Fantastic Four ship, Feige teased the following:
The name of their ship is the Excelsior, and there is a Fantastic Four ship entering the MCU in the tag. But I’m not sure they’re the same ship.
What Kevin Feige’s Thunderbolts* Fantastic Four Comments Mean For The MCU
While it makes perfect sense to theorize thattheThunderboltspost-credits scenewas setting the foundation for the Fantastic Four’s MCU arrival,it’s key to remember that Marvel Studios tends to play with audience expectations every now and then, especially when it comes to those who know the deeper lore. Even though it wouldn’t be shocking if it is Marvel’s First Family making their way to Earth-616 in the final moments of theThunderboltsmovie, there is a reason Marvel never showed who was on the ship. Just as Feige stated, despite it being a Fantastic Four ship, it doesn’t mean that it has to be the exact same one fromThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
As much as the ship is a fun Fantastic Four moment, making it one of manyMarvel references and Easter eggs inThunderbolts*,there is always the possibility that the person who is actually onboard is Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. Regardless of whether Downey Jr.’s character is fromThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsuniverse or not, Victor von Doom could have easily stolen an Excelsior ship to get himself to Earth-616. This is a solid way to play with expectations, and a perfect connection toAvengers: Doomsday, while still having the general audience be reminded thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepscomes afterThunderbolts*.
Our Take On Kevin Feige’s Thunderbolts* Fantastic Four Comments
In true MCU fashion, Feige’s teases leave room for a lot of speculation,as theThunderbolts*‘spost-credits scene could mean so many different things. Either way, an answer will be revealed at some point in Phase 6, but whether it will be this July withThe Fantastic Four: First StepsorAvengers: Doomsdayin 2026 remains to be seen. SinceThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsarrives in only a little over a month, the world will know soon enough whetherThunderbolts*was setting up their film, or if it was to serveAvengers: Doomsday.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
